File photo of Petrescu.

Coach Dan Petrescu has called for an improved defensive performance in Jiangsu FC's AFC Champions League Group E clash with Japan's FC Tokyo on Tuesday.

Goals from Alex Teixeira, Jo and captain Wu Xi helped the Chinese Super League side to a 3-2 win over Korea Republic's Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on Matchday Two earlier this month after playing out a 1-1 draw with Becamex Binh Duong of Vietnam in their group opener.

And Jiangsu head into the game at Tokyo Stadium on top of the Group E, a point ahead of their opponents and Jeonbuk, but will be without Ramires after the Brazilian midfielder was sent-off against the K-League Classic side.

"The key tomorrow is that everybody defends and attacks; if you only play counterattack all game then you will not win," said Romanian Petrescu.

"In attack, we always create chances, but we must be better in defence and defend well as a team. It will be a very difficult match, but hopefully we'll get a positive result.

"FC Tokyo are a very well organised team and know what to do all over the pitch, so I'm sure small details will decide the match.

"Ramires is a very important player for us, but this is football and you need to find another player who can play in his position and fight with all he has for his team. It won't be easy, but hopefully we'll not miss him tomorrow."

Making their first AFC Champions League appearance since reaching the Round of 16 in 2012, FC Tokyo began their Group E campaign with a 2-1 loss to Jeonbuk.

But a second half brace from Australian Nathan Burns and a late goal by Ryoichi Maeda saw the J.League side come from behind to defeat Binh Duong 3-1 on Matchday Two.

"When Jiangsu signed many famous players I thought they might have difficulties as a team at the start of the season," said coach Hiroshi Jofuku, whose side warmed up for the clash with a 1-0 home win over Vissel Kobe in the J.League on Friday.

"However, they beat Jeonbuk 3-2 and then Shandong Luneng 3-0 in their opening match of their domestic league which indicates their local and foreign players have united well.

"We kept a clean sheet and defended well at the weekend. Of course, we want to develop our scoring ability, but I would rather set a solid foundation first.

"We will play compact so as not to give our opponents space, and we will fight for the three points."

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